The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1887-09-23
UNDER LOCK AND KEY.
The Church Thief Captured by
Susie Curtis.

Mrs. Bolton was a stickler for the
proprieties.
Mrs. Curtis was not
Mrs. Bolton frequently gave Mrs.
Curtis what she considered sound ad-
vice.
Mrs. Curtis returned the compliment;
she never took it
The last time she called Mrs. Bolton
showed quite affectionate solicitude for
the well-being of her friends pretty
daughter.
Dear Mrs. Curtis,'' she began,
''you really should be more careful of
Susie. 1t is most dangerous for her to
go frequently to the church alone"
''But she must practice on the or
gan," Susie's mother responded, meek
ly; ''you know there is to be grand
choral service next Sunday for the new
minister, who is to preach for the first
time"
Mrs. Bolton generally ignored oppo-
sition; splendid means to get your
own way.
''Think of its lonely situation in the
fields" she pursued, referring to the
church. There was a tramp down in
the village last night. It's not proper
for her to 60 there alone"
''But she's done so ever since she
took the organ, and no harm ever
came of it Besides she doesn't go
alone; she takes Emily Hammond to
work the bellows" p"
''Does she leave the door openP" de-
manded Mrs. Bolton, in magisterial
tones.
''I-suppose she does, " rejoined Mrs
Curtis, with hesitation.
81 knew it!'' exclaimed Mrs. Belton,
with the air of having convicted Susie
of capital offense. "Be sure to tell
her in future to lock it on the inside;"
and Mrs. Bolton took her leave, su-
premely satisfied with herself Moth
ing delighted her so much as managing
other people.
Miss Susie was excessively amused
when her mother talked over the visit
that evening.
Never mind, mother-kins, she
said, caressing her parent. (Susie had
pretty little pet ways.) "It's rather
OF course the church is in lonely sit
uation; that makes it all the safer, be-
cause nobody ever comes"
''Still, dear, think you'd better do
it" urged her mother.
"Now, mamma, you know Mrs. Bel
ton always has something to complain
Of it would put us on par with her
self if she hadn't. That is too absurd
after all the hours 1 have spent there
unmolested.' -
The following afternoon she related
the incident to Emily Hammond with
great glee, as they mounted the stairs
to the organ loft. The latter did not
take so cheerful view of the subject,
begging permission to run back and
fasten the door on the inside.
This Susie would not hear of, and
presently they both forgot every thing
else in the grand march she was play
ing. Then followed the chants, then
the hymns, finally Susie stopped.
81 declare 1 could play on forever"
she sighed, 'just one more voluntary,
and then we'll 60"
whats that?" said Emily, peering
over the gallery.
"Only me, " from Susie
"No, no; mean that queer rafting
sound"
Susie twisted around and leaned over
the railing.
''It's some one turning the key" she
muttered.
Emily grew white as death.
tT o&5o cro I,Ov,.o cI,o
"Hush," Susie whispered, mook
there"
Over pieces of wood lying near the
furnace for winter use stumbled heavy
feet, next the tall form of a man was
seen in one of the aisles.
1.-The tramp!'' exclaimed Susie in a
tragic whisper. Emily, what'H we
doP''
Miss Hammond had already an
swered that question. She'd crept like
a cat down stairs, and was now on the
porch. Susie followed swiftly. She
gave one glance in passing at the in
truder, who was now at the top of the
church with his back to her, and was
therefore unaware of her presence.
"Black, bushy hair" she thought;
I'm sure it's matched by a ferocious
FACET and she crept after Emily.
Hes all riglt now!" she exclaimed,
meeting her friend outside the church,
and endeavoring to make her slacken
her speed.
81 shan't feel safe until we're out
of the church-yard, gasped the
other.
They went on.
Emily" cried Susie, suddenly, Il
forgot the church plate"
Il don't wonder" rejoined Emily,
shortly.
Susie stopped.
I'VE must 90 back, Emily. 1t won't
do to let him steal II. Come. "
But Emily showed no intention Of
accepting the invitation.
"Catch me doing such a thing. Ne
cant help III Susie. "